الأموال المقدمة من FEMA قد تساعد المنازل التي تضررت من فيضانات شهر يونيو.

 ديترويت – خصص برنامج FEMA للأفراد والأسر (IHP) أموالًا ضمن فئة جديدة للأفراد والأسر المؤهلة ممن تضررت منازلهم بسبب الفيضانات التي وقعت يومي 25 و 26 يونيو. تشجع هذه الأموال أصحاب المنازل على اتخاذ خطوات الآن لحماية ممتلكاتهم، مما سيقلل من احتمالية حدوث أضرار كارثية لمنازلهم في المستقبل.  

 

"لقد شهدت FEMA مرارًا وتكرارًا نتائج ملموسة من خلال البرامج التي تساعد على تقليل المخاطر وحماية الممتلكات من الكوارث المستقبلية"، هذا ما قاله مسؤول التنسيق الفيدرالي سكوت بورغيس، الذي يشرف على جهود الاستجابة والتعافي التي تبذلها FEMA في جنوب شرق ولاية ميشيغان. و"لهذا السبب استثمرت وكالتنا في هذا النوع الجديد من مساعدات إصلاح المنازل المقدمة لأصحاب المنازل والعائلات. سيساعد البرنامج في حماية منازلهم من الكوارث المستقبلية ".

 

أصحاب المنازل الذين يتقدمون بطلبات للحصول على مساعدات الكوارث والمؤهلين للحصول على مساعدة IHP يمكنهم تلقي أموال إضافية من FEMA لتدابير تخفيفية محددة. ستقدم هذه الأموال ضمن مبلغ المكافأة لأصحاب المنازل الذين تم تحديد أهليتهم للحصول على مساعدة إصلاح المنزل من FEMA. التفويض لتقديم هذه المساعدة يأتي من قانون روبرت تي ستافورد للإغاثة في حالات الكوارث والطوارئ.

 

يمكن استخدام الأموال للأنواع التالية من التدابير التخفيفية:

• إصلاح السقف لتحمل الرياح الشديدة وللمساعدة في منع تسرب المياه
• رفع سخان المياه أو الفرن لتجنب أضرار الفيضانات في المستقبل
• تحريك أو رفع اللوحة الكهربائية لتجنب أضرار الفيضانات في المستقبل

 

الأموال متاحة من أجل:

• منازل السكن الرئيسي التي يسكنها مالكوها والتي تضررت جراء الفيضانات التي وقعت في 25-26 يونيو.
•  الاستخدام من أجل مواد معينة تالفة كانت موجودة وتعمل في المنزل قبل وقوع الكارثة ثم تضررت جراء الكارثة.

 

منذ 19 أكتوبر، وافقت FEMA على تمويل أكثر من 10.4 مليون دولار في إطار هذا البرنامج والتي منحت إلى 35,530 شخص من المتقدمين المؤهلين.

 

كيف يعمل البرنامج

بعد التقدم بطلب للحصول على المساعدة في حالات الكوارث، سيتم إبلاغ المتقدمين إذا كانوا مؤهلين للحصول على المساعدة في حالات الكوارث وما إذا كانت هذه المساعدة تتضمن أموالًا للتدابير التخفيفية المنزلية. يخضع مبلغ المساعدة للحد المسموح به الذي يحدده قانون ستافورد لمساعدة الإسكان، والذي يبلغ 37,500 دولار للعام المالي 2022.

 

على المتقدمين الذين لديهم أسئلة التحدث مع ممثل FEMA قبل المتابعة. يمكنهم إما:

• الاتصال برقم FEMA المجاني  800-621-3362 (بما في ذلك الرقم 711 أو خدمة ترحيل فيديو). مستخدمي خدمة الهاتف النصي TTY يمكنهم الاتصال على الرقم  800-462-7582. أرقام الهواتف متاحة من الساعة 7 صباحًا حتى  11  مساءً حسب التوقيت الشرقي، 7 أيام في الأسبوع. يتوفر موظفين متعددي اللغات.  اضغط على الرقم 2 للتحدث بالإسبانية. اضغط على الرقم 3 للتحدث بالعربية واللغات الأخرى.

 

• قم بزيارة أحد مراكز التعافي من الكوارث.  لإيجاد الموقع، ساعات العمل، والمرزيد من المعلومات عن أي مركز في أي مكان، يرجى زيارة محدد مواقع مراكز FEMA للتعافي من الكوارث أو أرسل كلمة DRC ورمز منطقتك إلى الرقم 43362. (مثال: DRC 01234.) تنطبق أسعار الرسائل النصية العادية.
  • تقع مراكز FEMA للتعافي من الكوارث التابعة لولاية ميشيغان- في مقاطعتي وايني وماكومب.

 

لمزيد من التفاصيل حول الأحداث المؤهلة للحصول على التمويل، بالإضافة إلى المزيد من المعلومات، راجع صحيفة الحقائق هذه القابلة للتنزيل fema.gov/Hazard Mitigation Under the Individuals and Households Program. تحدث أيضًا إلى ممثل FEMA قبل البدء بأي إجراء.

 

لمزيد من المعلومات حول تعافي ميشيغان، تفضل بزيارة fema.gov/disaster/4607. مساعدات FEMA متاحة حاليًا للمقيمين في مقاطعات أوكلاند، ماكومب، وشتيناو، وواين. 12 نوفمبر 2021

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 مساعدات التعافي من الكوارث تقدم بدون تمييز على أساس العرق أو الدين أو الأصل القومي أو الجنس أو العمر أو الإعاقة أو إتقان للغة الإنجليزية أو الوضع الاقتصادي.  ستكون التسهيلات المعقولة، بما في ذلك خدمات الترجمة ومترجمي لغة الإشارة الأمريكية عبر خدمة ترحيل الفيديو، متاحة لضمان التواصل الفعال مع المتقدمين ذوي المعرفة المحدودة باللغة الإنجليزية وأصحاب الإعاقات والوصول والاحتياجات الوظيفية. إذا تعرضت أنت أو أي شخص تعرفه للتمييز، فاتصل بـ FEMA على الرقم المجاني 3362-621-800 (بما في ذلك 711 أو ترحيل فيديو). إذا كنت أصم أو تعاني من ضعف في السمع أو لديك إعاقة في النطق وتستخدم هاتفًا نصيًا، فاتصل على 7585-462-800.

إن مهمة FEMA هي مساعدة الناس قبل وأثناء وبعد الكوارث.

troy.christensen Wed, 10/27/2021 - 17:39

Los fondos de FEMA pueden ayudar a reparar las viviendas dañadas por las inundaciones de junio

Detroit – El Programa de Individuos y Familias (IHP) de FEMA tiene una nueva categoría de fondos para los individuos y familias calificados cuyas viviendas sufrieron daños por las inundaciones ocurridas el 25 y 26 de junio. Los fondos alientan a los propietarios a tomar medidas ahora para proteger su propiedad, y así reducir la probabilidad de futuros daños por desastres en sus viviendas.

 

"Una y otra vez FEMA ha visto resultados tangibles con programas que ayudan a reducir el riesgo y a proteger la propiedad contra futuros desastres", dijo Scott Burgess, coordinador federal, que supervisa los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperación de FEMA en el sureste de Michigan. "Por eso nuestra agencia ha invertido en este nuevo tipo de ayuda para la reparación de viviendas para propietarios y familias. El programa ayudará a proteger sus viviendas contra futuros desastres".

 

Los propietarios de vivienda que soliciten asistencia por desastre y sean elegibles para la asistencia de IHP pueden recibir fondos de FEMA adicionales para medidas de mitigación específicas. Estos fondos se proporcionarán en el marco del monto de la adjudicación para propietarios de viviendas que se determine que son elegibles para el programa de Asistencia de reparación de viviendas de FEMA. La autoridad para esta asistencia se deriva de la Ley Robert T. Stafford de Ayuda en Desastres y Asistencia en Emergencias.

 

Los fondos se pueden utilizar para los siguientes tipos de medidas de mitigación:

• Reparar un techo para que resista vientos más fuertes y para ayudar a prevenir la infiltración de agua
• Elevar un calentador de agua o una caldera para evitar futuros daños por inundación
• Trasladar o elevar un panel eléctrico para evitar futuros daños por inundación

 

Los fondos están disponibles para:

• Las viviendas principales ocupadas por sus propietarios que resultaron dañadas por las inundaciones del 25 y 26 de junio.
• Reparar artículos específicos dañados que estaban presentes y eran funcionales en la vivienda antes del desastre y que luego fueron dañados por el desastre.

 

Al 19 de octubre, FEMA ha aprobado más de $10.4 millones en fondos como parte de este programa a 35,530 solicitantes calificados.

 

Cómo funciona el programa

Después de solicitar la ayuda por desastre, se informará a los solicitantes si cumplen o no los requisitos para recibir la asistencia por desastre y si dicha asistencia incluye fondos para medidas de mitigación en la vivienda. El monto de la asistencia está sujeto al límite estipulado por la Ley Stafford para Asistencia para vivienda, que es de $37,500 para el año fiscal 2022.

 

Los solicitantes que tengan preguntas deben consultar con un representante de FEMA antes de continuar. Pueden:

• Llamar a FEMA sin costo al 800-621-3362 (incluido el 711 o el servicio de retransmisión por video). Los usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 800-462-7585. Las líneas telefónicas están abiertas de 7 a. m. a 11 p. m. hora del este, los siete días de la semana. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles. Pulse 2 para español. Pulse 3 para árabe y otros idiomas.

 

• Visite un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre. Para encontrar la ubicación, el horario de atención y más información sobre cualquier centro en cualquier lugar, visite el Localizador de Centros de Recuperación de Desastres de FEMA o envíe el texto DRC y su código postal al 43362. (Ejemplo: DRC 01234). Se aplican las tarifas estándar de mensajes de texto.
  • Los centros de recuperación por desastre del estado de Michigan y FEMA están ubicados en los condados de Wayne y Macomb.

 

Para obtener más información sobre las acciones elegibles para el financiamiento, además de información adicional, consulte la Hoja Informativa descargable en fema.gov/Hazard Mitigation Under the Individuals and Households Program. Además, hable con un representante de FEMA antes de comenzar cualquier trabajo.

 

Para más información sobre la recuperación en Michigan, visite  fema.gov/disaster/4607. La asistencia de FEMA está actualmente disponible para los residentes de los condados de Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw y Wayne. El plazo para que las personas soliciten la asistencia por desastre finaliza el 12 de noviembre de 2021.

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La asistencia en caso de desastre está disponible sin importar la raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio limitado del inglés o situación económica. Se ofrecerán adaptaciones razonables, incluida la traducción y los intérpretes de lenguaje de señas americano a través del servicio de retransmisión por video, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes que tengan un dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades de acceso y funcionales. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido discriminado, llame a la línea gratuita de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluidos los usuarios del 711 o servicio de retransmisión por video). Si usted es una persona sorda, con dificultades auditivas o tiene alguna discapacidad del habla y usa el servicio de TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

troy.christensen Wed, 10/27/2021 - 17:37

New Jersey Survivors Now Have More Time to Apply for FEMA Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. – The deadline for New Jersey homeowners and renters to apply for FEMA individual assistance for damage and losses from the remnants of Hurricane Ida has been extended to Dec. 6, 2021.

The extension provides more time for survivors living in counties designated for individual assistance including Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Register for FEMA Assistance

Apply for disaster assistance with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) The toll-free telephone lines are currently operating 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.  Multilingual operators are available.

SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans

SBA helps businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. To apply for a low-interest disaster loan, complete an online application at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. To reach an SBA Customer Service Representative directly call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). For more information, visit sba.gov.

amir.nijem Wed, 10/27/2021 - 15:58

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Virginia to supplement commonwealth, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred Aug. 30-31, 2021.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by flooding, landslides and mudslides in Buchanan County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire commonwealth.

Timothy S. Pheil has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 10/27/2021 - 14:03

FEMA Approves $4.6 Million Grant for Hurricane Sally Recovery

PENSACOLA, Fla. — FEMA has approved a grant of $4,606,280 to reimburse the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for its management and oversight costs following Hurricane Sally.

Funding from FEMA's Public Assistance program will reimburse FDEM for the estimated costs for the tracking, charging and accounting of 390 emergency and permanent work projects.  

This reimbursement brings the total of the division’s FEMA grants for Hurricane Sally to nearly $20.3 million.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The state of Florida works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA’s final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. After its final approval of eligible projects FEMA obligates funding to FDEM.

The Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

Kimberly.Kipp Tue, 10/26/2021 - 19:53

FEMA Releases Response To 2020 NAC Report

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA released the agency’s response to the National Advisory Council’s (NAC) annual report.

The “National Advisory Council’s Report to the FEMA Administrator,” was released in November 2020.

This report marked the first time the NAC members were charged with specific areas of concern to address in the field of emergency management, rather than open-ended topics.  The report, and FEMA’s response, focuses on four main themes -- equity, outcomes, coordination and what works.

“We value our NAC partners’ commitment to advancing FEMA’s mission by identifying opportunities in which we can improve and streamline the delivery of our programs,” said  FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We are proud of what the agency has achieved thus far, and we will remain steadfast in our pursuit of infusing equity throughout our programs, bolstering coordination with our stakeholders and focusing our efforts on delivering positive outcomes for communities nationwide.”

At the beginning of her tenure in April 2021, Administrator Criswell charged the agency’s leadership with reviewing and responding to the report through the lens of the Biden Administration’s priorities on equity, climate change and readiness.  

While the agency’s formal response was delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination mission, FEMA did not waste time in implementing the report’s recommendations. The agency at the direction of the Administrator, implemented or began to execute on recommendations, including: 

• Establishing  an Equity Enterprise Steering Group, which created a definition of equity for the agency. 
• Altering the individual assistance program to reduce barriers to access experienced by underserved populations. 
• Implementing Risk Rating 2.0, which will drive more risk-informed and equitable rates for NFIP policyholders. 
• Deploying the National Resource Hub, which provides a suite of tools to governments to assist their resource management preparedness. 
• Launching a culturally competent National Preparedness Month campaign to reach Latino communities. 

The NAC consists of up to 35 members, including a diverse cross-section of officials, emergency managers and emergency responders from state, local, tribal and territorial governments, the private sector and non- governmental organizations.  Collectively, these members provide advice to the FEMA Administrator through recommendations on all aspects of emergency management.  

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 10/26/2021 - 19:28

FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center coming to Bridgeport

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) will open to help residents of Montgomery County whose homes or personal property were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. This temporary Center will be staffed with FEMA personnel and representatives of other federal and state agencies to assist with registration and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

This is the scheduled location for the MDRC:

• Borough Hall, 63 West 4th Street, Bridgeport, PA.
  • Hours of operation: Wednesday, Oct. 27, and Thursday, Oct. 28: noon – 7:00 p.m.

In addition to the MDRCs, if you have not already applied for help, you can do so at any one of the fixed locations:

• Montgomery County Community College, Health Sciences Gym, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell
• Ashbridge Square Shopping Center, 945 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown
• Manchester Township Municipal Building, 3200 Farmtrail Rd, York
• Former CVS store, 7219 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
• Northampton County EOC, 100 Gracedale Ave, Nazareth.
• Bedford Fire Department, 248 W Penn St, Bedford  
  • Hours of operation for these DRCs are:
    • Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    • Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Sunday: Closed

Please have the following information available to register:

• Name and SSN of the primary applicant
• Name and SSN of secondary/co-applicant (encouraged but not required).
• Current and pre-disaster address
• Names of all occupants of the pre-disaster household
• Current contact information
• Types of insurance held by the household.
• Household pre-disaster annual gross income
• Losses caused by the disaster.
• Banking information for direct deposit of financial assistance, if requested

Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not required.

To register with FEMA:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.  
• Information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.  
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).  
• Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), also available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.

The registration deadline for FEMA Disaster Assistance in Pennsylvania is November 10, 2021.

For updates on the Pennsylvania response and recovery, follow the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on Twitter twitter.com/PEMAHQ and Facebook https://m.facebook.com/PEMAHQ/. Additional information is available at fema.gov/disaster/4618.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

valerie.amato Tue, 10/26/2021 - 17:52

FEMA Funds May Help Homes Damaged by the June Flooding

Detroit – FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) has a new category of funds for qualified individuals and families with homes damaged by the June 25 and 26 flooding. The funds encourage homeowners to take steps now to protect their property, reducing the likelihood of future disaster damage to their homes.

 

“Time and time again FEMA has seen tangible results with programs that help reduce risk and protect property from future disasters,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Burgess, who oversees FEMA’s response and recovery efforts in southeast Michigan. “That’s why our agency has invested in this new kind of home repair assistance for homeowners and families. The program will help protect their homes against future disasters.”

 

Homeowners who apply for disaster assistance and are eligible for IHP assistance may receive additional funds from FEMA for specific mitigation measures. These funds will be provided within the award amount for homeowners determined eligible for Home Repair Assistance from FEMA. Authority for this assistance comes from the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act.

 

The funds can be used for the following types of mitigation measures:

• Repair a roof to withstand higher winds and to help prevent water infiltration
• Elevate a water heater or a furnace to avoid future flood damage
• Move or elevate an electrical panel to avoid future flood damage

 

The funds are available for:

• owner-occupied, primary residences damaged by the June 25-26 flooding.
• use for specific damaged items that were present and functional in the home prior to the disaster and were then damaged by the disaster.

 

As of Oct. 19, FEMA has approved more than $10.4 million in funding under this program to 35,530 qualified applicants.

 

How the Program Works

After they apply for disaster assistance, applicants will be informed if they qualify for disaster assistance and if that assistance includes funds for home-mitigation measures. The amount of assistance is subject to the Stafford Act limit for Housing Assistance, which is $37,500 for FY2022.

 

Applicants with questions should talk with a FEMA representative before proceeding. They can either:

• Call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The phone numbers are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for Arabic and other languages.

 

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find the location, the open hours and more information about any center anywhere, visit FEMA's Disaster Recovery Center Locator or text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362. (Example: DRC 01234.) Standard text message rates apply.
  • State of Michigan-FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are in Wayne and Macomb counties.

 

For more details about the actions eligible for funding as well as additional information, see this downloadable  fema.gov/Hazard Mitigation Under the Individuals and Households Program Fact Sheet. Also, talk to a FEMA representative before starting any work.

 

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4607. FEMA assistance is currently available to residents in Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 12, 2021.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service, will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

troy.christensen Tue, 10/26/2021 - 17:27

Deadline to Seek Federal Disaster Assistance Extended

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance has been extended for those impacted by the California wildfires.

The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is Nov. 8, 2021.

The extension applies homeowners and renters affected by California wildfires in Lassen, Plumas, Nevada, Placer, Tehama and Trinity counties.

Applicants may apply in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT, seven days a week

Survivors who may need to request an accommodation or have additional questions can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information about California’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4610 and Cal OES’ wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD).

FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during and after disasters.

robert.barker Tue, 10/26/2021 - 17:00

Mississippi Survivors Affected by Hurricane Ida Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

PEARL, Miss. – Homeowners and renters from Amite, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties who were affected by Hurricane Ida from Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, 2021, may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the Hurricane Ida. If you have homeowners, renter’s or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, along with other programs to assist those recovering from the flooding.

For more information about Hurricane Ida recovery in Mississippi, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4626. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion4.

neily.chapman Tue, 10/26/2021 - 14:38

Dr. Lori L. Moore-Merrell Sworn in as New U.S. Fire Administrator

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell swore in the U.S. Fire Administration’s newest Administrator Dr. Lori L. Moore-Merrell on Monday.

An entity of FEMA, the USFA’s mission is to support and strengthen fire and emergency medical services and stakeholders to prepare for, prevent, mitigate and respond to all hazards.

“The USFA’s work is extremely important -- working with state and local fire and EMS departments and emergency responders throughout the country, we must do better to prepare for the changing landscape of what we refer to as all hazards," said Dr. Moore-Merrell. "With ever increasing incidence of wildland fire and other disasters, we must redouble our efforts to prevent ignition and harden the wildland urban interface. It’s an honor to be selected for this position,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside and leading our workforce and am grateful for this opportunity and eager to further drive the mission of USFA.”

Dr. Moore-Merrell most recently served as President and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute. Leading the institute since 2019, after serving 26 years as a senior executive in the International Association of Fire Fighters, she was responsible for frontline interaction with elected officers, executive board members, state, provincial and local chapter leaders and individual organization members throughout the United States and Canada.

Dr. Moore-Merrell recently served on the Biden-Harris Transition Team to conduct an agency review for DHS/FEMA as part of the COVID-19 response planning. She also served on the Public Safety Committee of the Transition Teams for both the Mayor of New York City in 2013 and the District of Columbia Mayor in 2015.

As an innovative seasoned senior leader, Dr. Moore-Merrell has her doctorate degree in public health policy and data science and has received multiple awards that recognize her outstanding efforts and remarkable work in fire service, emergency response, resource deployment and data analytics.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 10/26/2021 - 14:12

Dutchess County Residents Affected by Hurricane Ida Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance

NEW YORK – FEMA has added Dutchess County to the Sept. 5 federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Ida, bringing to nine the number of counties whose residents are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Residents of Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties can now apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 6. Those who have already applied need not apply again.

Hurricane Ida struck New York Sept. 1-3. Homeowners and renters in the nine counties who had damage or losses as a direct result of the storm are encouraged to apply for assistance. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses.

You should apply to FEMA even if you have insurance, but first file a claim with your insurance provider. FEMA provides assistance to applicants for their uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs. Applicants are required to inform FEMA of all insurance coverage including flood, homeowners and vehicle.

Insured applicants must provide documentation that identifies their insurance settlements or benefits before FEMA will consider their eligibility for categories of assistance that may be covered by private insurance.

To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center and meet in person with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

For official information on New York’s recovery effort, visit fema.gov/disaster/4615. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion2  and facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Tue, 10/26/2021 - 11:44

FEMA Speaks Your Language

NEW YORK – FEMA provides translation and interpretation services in order to reach out and communicate with disaster survivors who speak little or no English. FEMA also has staff and technology to support disaster recovery for those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have low vision.

Translations are based on the U.S. Census and other demographic research.

In New York, FEMA’s written translation services allow messaging to be delivered in 25 languages: Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, simplified Chinese, French, Greek, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Kirundi, Korean, Malay, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Urdu, Vietnamese and Yiddish. Other languages could be added if the need arises.  

For the Hurricane Ida disaster in New York, FEMA also posts news releases and fact sheets in 25 languages on its website, fema.gov. And its telephone interpretation service is able to communicate in 117 languages.

When calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, those who use Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others should give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter for other languages.

You can visit a Disaster Recovery Center and meet in person with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. FEMA staff are trained in using the interpreter service.

A survivor who may have limited English proficiency will be shown a language identification guide with the phrase “I Speak … ” in 69 languages. Disaster survivors can point to the language they understand, and the FEMA representative can connect to an interpreter who speaks that language. 

Disaster survivors who live in the following nine counties are encouraged to apply for disaster assistance: Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, Queens, Richland, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester.

For the latest on New York’s Hurricane Ida recovery efforts, visit fema.gov/disaster/4615. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion2 and facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Mon, 10/25/2021 - 19:02

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Delaware

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Delaware to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by remnants of Hurricane Ida, Sept. 1-7, 2021.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in New Castle County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Mark Kenneth O’Hanlon has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 10/25/2021 - 17:16

FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Coming to Oaks

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) will open to help residents of Montgomery County whose homes or personal property were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. This temporary Center will be staffed with FEMA personnel and representatives of other federal and state agencies to assist with registration and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

This is the scheduled location for the MDRC:

• Black Rock Fire Station 260 Green Tree Rd, Oaks, PA. Hours of operation: Monday, Oct. 25, and Tuesday, Oct. 26: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

In addition to the MDRCs, if you have not already applied for help, you can do so at any one of the fixed locations:

• Montgomery County Community College, Health Sciences Gym, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell
• Ashbridge Square Shopping Center, 945 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown
• Manchester Township Municipal Building, 3200 Farmtrail Rd, York
• Former CVS store, 7219 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
• Northampton County EOC, 100 Gracedale Ave, Nazareth.
• Bedford Fire Department, 248 W Penn St, Bedford
  • Hours of operation for these DRCs are: Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed

Please have the following information available to register:

• Name and SSN of the primary applicant
• Name and SSN of secondary/co-applicant (encouraged but not required)
• Current and pre-disaster address
• Names of all occupants of the pre-disaster household
• Current contact information
• Types of insurance held by the household.
• Household pre-disaster annual gross income
• Losses caused by the disaster
• Banking information for direct deposit of financial assistance, if requested

Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not required.

To register with FEMA:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
• Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), also available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.

The registration deadline for FEMA Disaster Assistance in Pennsylvania is November 10, 2021.

For updates on the Pennsylvania response and recovery, follow the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on Twitter twitter.com/PEMAHQ and Facebook https://m.facebook.com/PEMAHQ/. Additional information is available at fema.gov/disaster/4618.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

 Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

valerie.amato Mon, 10/25/2021 - 17:06

FEMA Approves Panama City Beach for $1.4 Million Mitigation Grant

PENSACOLA, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,428,407 for the city of Panama City Beach to make stormwater drainage improvements on a section of Alf Coleman Road between Panama City Beach Parkway (U.S. Highway 98) and Hutchinson Boulevard.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was approved in response to a proposal by the city after Hurricane Michael in 2018. The project is designed to correct the repetitive flooding that can make the roadway impassable for local residents and emergency vehicles.

Construction will include the elevation of 3,100 linear feet of the surface of Alf Coleman Road and the addition of new drainage structures underneath it, which are intended to provide the necessary protection against future flooding and damage.

The HMGP is an important source of federal disaster assistance. Program funding may become available after the president declares a major disaster, with a goal of strengthening communities by improving buildings and critical infrastructure. A 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that one dollar spent on hazard mitigation saves more than six dollars of recovery and rebuilding costs.

Generally, the HMGP may provide a state, tribe or territory with additional grants up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA for a federally declared disaster. States such as Florida that meet advanced mitigation planning criteria may qualify for a higher percentage.

Florida has a FEMA-approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, making the state eligible for HMGP funding not to exceed 20 percent of the estimated total amount of grant money spent by FEMA in the Hurricane Michael disaster. From this amount, the HMGP reimburses the state up to 75 percent of eligible costs for hazard mitigation projects. The remaining amount comes from other sources such as state and local assets and a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

Kimberly.Kipp Mon, 10/25/2021 - 15:28

Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Somervell County, Texas Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Revised preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the City of Glen Rose and unincorporated areas of Somervell County, Texas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Somervell County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Carmen.Castro Mon, 10/25/2021 - 15:15

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for Federal Assistance Two Weeks Remain to Apply for Federal Assistance

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. – Residents of Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who were impacted by Tropical Storm Fred have until Nov. 8, 2021 to apply for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is designed to help disaster survivors with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live while survivors look for a long-term or permanent housing solution. It is not designed to make survivors whole and is not a substitute for insurance coverage. FEMA Individual Assistance cannot duplicate other sources of assistance.

You can register with FEMA in several ways: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA app for smartphones. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. local time, seven days a week.

Nov. 8, 2021 is also the deadline for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans for physical property and personal property damage.

You may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ or by visiting a Business Recovery Center. Paper applications may be requested by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties and in the following adjacent counties: Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Rutherford, Swain and Yancey in North Carolina; Greenville, Oconee and Pickens in South Carolina and Cocke and Sevier in Tennessee. The deadline to file economic injury applications is June 8, 2022.

There is no cost to apply for assistance from FEMA or the SBA.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. 

brianasummer.fenton Mon, 10/25/2021 - 12:36

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Mississippi to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Ida from Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2021. 

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Amite, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. 

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Ida in Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Covington, Franklin, George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pearl River, Pike, Simpson, Walthall, Wayne and Wilkinson counties. 

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. 

Brett H. Howard has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments. 

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

mashana.davis Sun, 10/24/2021 - 02:14

Canyon County Facing Probation from the National Flood Insurance Program

BOTHELL, Wash. – Canyon County, Idaho, will be placed on probationary status by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on December 21, 2021, due to violations in the community’s floodplain management program.

Canyon County is an NFIP-participating community with 178 flood insurance policies in force that cover more than $45 million as of October 13, 2021.

When a community joins the NFIP, it voluntarily adopts local floodplain management regulations to meet NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria. Placement on probation is a formal notice to the community that the local floodplain management program is not compliant with the criteria of the NFIP and is the first step in the process to suspend the community’s eligibility to participate in the NFIP.

The probation will continue until all identified violations of the community’s floodplain management regulations are remedied to the maximum extent practicable.

The identified program deficiencies include:

1. Necessary ordinance revisions to bring the floodplain management program into compliance with the NFIP minimum criteria.
2. Failure to obtain or require permits for accessory structures and other development within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) that falls outside the requirements of building codes.
3. Failure to obtain or require permits and certification of elevation or other as-built documentation for 73 floodplain development actions in the SFHA.

FEMA and the Canyon County Floodplain Administrator have communicated many times between 2015 and 2021, through meetings, letters, and emails. Canyon County previously committed to a compliance plan with milestones and deadlines for remedying the outstanding violations that have been identified. To date, Canyon County has not met the milestones provided in their compliance plan; and violations remain in the County’s floodplain management program.

During the probationary period, flood insurance coverage will remain available within Canyon County. However, a $50 surcharge will be added to the premium of each new and renewed flood insurance policy sold within the community for at least one-year from the effective date of probation. Each flood insurance policyholder in unincorporated Canyon County will receive a notice about the impending probation and the $50 surcharge.

Failure to correct identified deficiencies and to improve the floodplain management program within Canyon County during the probationary period can lead to suspension from the NFIP. If a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance would not be available. This includes the acquisition, construction, or repair of insurable structures within the SFHA as well as federal assistance to individuals and households for housing and personal property.

FEMA remains committed to providing technical assistance and guidance to remediate any deficiencies to help ensure that Canyon County residents and property owners continue to have flood insurance coverage available.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter ,and LinkedIn, for the latest updates. Visit FEMA.gov for more information.

 

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

mary.j.edmon Fri, 10/22/2021 - 21:46